Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand’s national parks offer a unique blend of natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The state serves as a sanctuary for many rare and endangered species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure travelers alike.
From Jim Corbett National Park—India’s oldest and most renowned tiger reserve—to Rajaji National Park, known for its elephants and vibrant birdlife, these protected areas showcase the true essence of Uttarakhand’s wild heritage. Whether it’s thrilling safaris, peaceful nature trails, or breathtaking mountain views, every experience here is one to remember for a lifetime.
National Parks of Uttarakhand
Here is a list of the 6 major national parks of Uttarakhand:
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
India’s oldest and most renowned tiger reserve.
Famous for: Jungle safari, Corbett Waterfall, river rafting
Located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is India’s first national park, established in 1936. It is especially famous for being a protected home to the Bengal tiger. Spanning approximately 520.8 square kilometers, the park offers a stunning mix of hills, grasslands, marshy areas, and a large lake, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Wildlife and Experience:
Jim Corbett is home to a rich variety of wildlife including tigers, elephants, leopards, bears, gharials, deer, and over 600 species of birds. The jungle safaris here are thrilling and provide a rare opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Tourist Information:
Entry Fees for Jim Corbett National Park
✓ Indian Citizens: ₹200 per person
✓ Foreign Nationals: ₹1,000 per person
Jeep Safari Charges (Per Jeep):
✓ Indians: ₹5,000 (Maximum 6 adults + 2 children [5–12 years])
✓ Foreigners: ₹12,000 (Maximum 6 adults + 2 children [5–12 years])
Major Safari Zones:
✓ Bijrani
✓ Garjia
✓ Jhirna
✓ Dhela
✓ Durgadevi
✓ Phato
✓ Sitabani (Buffer Zone)
Safari Timings:
✓ Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
✓ Evening Safari: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
(Timings may vary slightly depending on the season)
Inclusions: Jeep, Driver, Permit, and Forest Guide TR entry permission and all tax.
Note: Guide charges and hotel pick-up/drop-off are additional.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to mid-June (best time for wildlife viewing; many zones remain closed during the monsoon).
Travel Tips:
Book your safari in advance during the peak season.
Don’t forget to carry binoculars and a camera.
If possible, stay near the zone of your morning safari to enhance your experience.
Jim Corbett is a perfect destination for couples, families, photographers, and adventure seekers, offering a wonderful blend of nature and thrill.
2. Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand
A Wildlife Paradise Nestled in the Shivalik Hills
Spanning approximately 820 square kilometers in Uttarakhand, Rajaji National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes. The park is formed by the merger of three wildlife sanctuaries – Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla – making it a unique and immersive experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
Wildlife and Experience:
Rajaji Park is home to Asian elephants, leopards, tigers, Himalayan black bears, and over 400 species of birds. It is an ideal destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Visitor Information:
Entry Fees:
✓ For Indian citizens: ₹150 per person
✓ For foreign tourists: ₹600 per person
Jeep Safari Charges:
✓ For Indians: ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 per jeep (charges may vary depending on the zone)
✓ For foreigners: charges may be higher.
Safari Timings:
✓ Morning Safari: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
✓ Evening Safari: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
(Timings may vary slightly depending on the weather)
Main Safari Zones: Chilla and Gohri zones are the most popular, offering higher chances of spotting wildlife and birds.
Accommodation options: Near the park entrances, forest rest houses and some eco-resorts are available, especially in the Chilla and Haridwar areas.
Best time to visit: From mid-November to mid-June
(April to June is especially ideal for bird watching.)
3. Gangotri National Park, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
A Sacred Natural Heritage in the Lap of the Himalayas
Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Gangotri National Park spans a vast area of 2,390 square kilometers. This high-altitude park is renowned for its beautiful alpine meadows, towering glaciers, and pristine rivers. It is also home to Gaumukh, the sacred source of the Ganges River at Gangotri, making it not only an ecologically significant site but also spiritually very important.
Main attractions:
Gangotri National Park is an ideal destination for trekkers, nature lovers, and spiritual travelers. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and diverse wildlife, it offers an unforgettable Himalayan experience.
Entry Fee:
✓ Indian: ₹ 150 per capita
✓ Foreign: ₹ 600 per capita
Trekking Fees (per day):
✓ Indian: ₹50 per day
✓ Foreign: ₹500 per day
Best Time for Visitors: From May to October
(The garden is closed due to heavy snowfall in winter.)
Timing: It is seasonally open every day. Treakers are advised to start the trek early for a safe return before the sun sinks.
Included: Garden entry, Access to trekking trails like Gaumukh Glacier and Tapovan Maidan
- Additional information:
- Gaumukh-Tapovan is the most popular trek in the trek area.
- The height here ranges from 1,800 meters to above 7,000 meters, so acclimatization is necessary.
- Visitors are advised to carry the necessary materials, seek the help of registered guides and follow the environmental protection rules.
Travel tips:
This national park is a wonderful confluence of natural grandeur and spiritual peace, suitable for both adventure travelers and pilgrims. It may be necessary to get advance permission for trekking especially in the peak season.
4. Valley of Flowers National Park
Famous for: Valley of Flowers National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Miscellaneous Wildlife and Vegetation
Located in the western Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is world famous for its beautiful valleys and local alpine flowers. Spread over an area of about 87.5 square kilometers, this park is also home to abnormal natural beauty as well as many rare and threatened creatures such as Asiatic Black Bayer, Snow Leopard and Blue Sheep.
Entry fee:
✓ Indian Citizen: Around ₹ 150 per person (for 3 days)
✓ Foreign Tourist: Around ₹ 600 per person (for 3 days)
Time: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
(The park is open from June to October and is closed due to heavy snowfall in winter.)
Facilities involved: Park and its trekking trails entry
Additional information: The best time to see flowers completely bloom is July to August. The park applies additional charges for additional days.
Best Travel Time: May to October
5. Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath, Uttarakhand
Nestled in the lap of sacred mountains, a tranquil and picturesque Himalayan forest – Nanda Devi National Park and its associated Valley of Flowers near Joshimath, Uttarakhand, are jointly declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park spans approximately 630.33 square kilometers and surrounds Nanda Devi (7,816 meters), the second-highest peak in North India.
Main Attractions
This park is an incredible home to Himalayan flora and fauna, where you can spot rare snow leopards, musk deer, brown bears, and numerous high-altitude plant species. Deep valleys, snow-capped cliffs, and a serene environment make this place a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers.
Entry Fees (for 3 days)
✓ Indian Citizens: ₹150 per person
✓ Foreign Citizens: ₹600 per person
Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
(Open from May to October; remains closed during winters due to snowfall)
Included Facilities:
✓ Park entry
✓ Access to marked trekking routes
- Additional Information
- Prior permission from the Forest Department is mandatory to enter the park.
- It’s highly recommended to take a local experienced guide along during trekking.
- May to October is considered the most suitable time for trekking and sightseeing.
Travel Tips
Nanda Devi National Park is a sensitive ecological zone where only a limited number of tourists are permitted. This place is an ideal destination for natural beauty, adventurous trekking, and a peaceful environment. A trip here can become a spiritual and thrilling experience.
6. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand
A Natural Treasure Hidden in the Lap of the Himalayas
Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary spans an area of approximately 958 square kilometers. This high-altitude Himalayan region is renowned for its diverse ecosystem, featuring snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and several rare and endangered species. Here, you can encounter species like the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Snowcock, and Western Tragopan.
Main Attractions:
This sanctuary is an ideal spot for nature lovers, trekking enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers. Away from the crowds, this site is rich in peace and biodiversity.
Entry Fees:
✓ Indian Citizens: ₹150 per person
✓ Foreign Citizens: ₹600 per person
Jeep Safari Charges:
Approximately ₹3,000 per jeep (fees may vary based on zone and time)
Timings:
✓ Park Entry: Open 24 hours (but entry is only valid during daytime hours)
Safari Timings:
✓ Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
✓ Evening: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Note: The park remains closed during monsoon and winter seasons.
- What’s Included
- Park entrance
- Use of trekking trails
- Permission for jeep safari
- Additional Information:
- Prior permission from the Forest Department is mandatory for park entry and safaris.
- Always take a local trained guide for trekking or safaris, especially in high-altitude, difficult-to-access areas.
Best Time to Visit:
The period between May to June and September to October is most suitable. During this time, the weather is clear, offering good opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Travel Tips
If you’re looking for peace, adventure, and natural beauty, Govind Pashu Vihar is an excellent place. Be sure to pack warm clothes, trekking gear, and a camera to capture the beauty of the Himalayas and its rare wildlife.
